15 Jan 2014

Whale re-float attempt

9:11 am on 15 January 2014

Department of Conservation staff are to make a fresh attempt to re-float eight pilot whales still alive after a stranding at Farewell Spit.

Thirteen whales stranded on the beach on Tuesday morning but five have since died – including three during the night.

On Tuesday night, the high tide had just re-floated the pilot whales before 50 volunteers and Department of Conservation staff had to leave them when fading light made the operation too risky for volunteers.